Contents
The capabilities of modern ultrasound include the construction of a four-dimensional ultrasound image of the fetus (4D), which allows visualizing the embryo from early pregnancy, makes it possible to identify malformations, as well as some markers of chromosomal pathologies. 4D visualization of the fetus allows future parents to see their child in real time.
General characteristics of the study in 4D mode
The term “four-dimensional study” means that in addition to obtaining a three-dimensional image of the child, you can also see the movements of the fetus in real time. Four-dimensional ultrasound of the fetus has become possible thanks to the latest computer technology. 4D ultrasound is performed only on modern ultrasound systems.
These technologies have expanded the possibilities of an objective assessment of intrauterine development of the fetus and make it possible to obtain a moving three-dimensional image of the child. With a conventional two-dimensional ultrasound, only a specialist is able to fully disassemble the details of the image on the monitor screen, while a four-dimensional ultrasound allows parents to observe the intrauterine life of their baby. Thanks to the 4D technique, parents can personally see the movements of their child’s arms and legs on the device’s screen.
If desired, parents can receive a video recording that will remain in the family as a memory of the mother’s pregnancy and the intrauterine development of the child. The results of the 4D ultrasound examination include not only the conclusion of the ultrasound doctor, but also images of the fetus and a disk with images and mini-video clips that expectant parents receive on the day of the ultrasound.
4D diagnostic capabilities
The technique of conducting 4D ultrasound is practically no different from three-dimensional. The only and most important difference is the ability to see the baby in real time. 3D diagnostics is different in that parents receive a three-dimensional picture of the fetus a few minutes after the procedure. 4D allows you to watch the movements and even record the child on video.
4D ultrasound is allowed to be used only in combination with a standard study in order to diagnose the condition of the baby and satisfy the interest of parents. It is ideal to combine two-dimensional and four-dimensional research.
In addition to the standard data of two-dimensional ultrasound diagnostics (fetal size, position, condition of organs and limbs), 4D ultrasound significantly expands diagnostic capabilities in terms of determining the presence or absence of the following developmental anomalies in the fetus: skeletal malformations, volumetric formations, facial defects (the so-called cleft faces, etc.), quantitative pathologies of the fingers and other anomalies of the hands, defects of the anterior abdominal wall, anomalies in the development of organs. The 4D ultrasound mode provides an expanded view, so the doctor can assess all external signs. Especially relevant are the advantages of 4D ultrasound for the study of facial structures (nasolabial triangle, lips, chin, ears, etc.). On the monitor of the apparatus, the specialist monitors the movements of the fetus, their nature may be important for confirming the pathologies of the development of the musculoskeletal system.
Recommended Timing of 4D Ultrasound
Mandatory screening ultrasound during pregnancy is carried out three times: at 11-14, 18-24 and 32-36 weeks. An additional study is prescribed if there are indications and if there are suspicions of possible anomalies in the development of the fetus and placenta, pathology of the amniotic fluid and the course of pregnancy. Fetal ultrasound in 3D and 4D modes can be performed at any stage of pregnancy.
At the request of future parents, the doctor can build an image of the embryo or the face of the fetus in 3D-4D modes. If a specialist in ultrasound diagnostics during the ultrasound of the fetus suspects some deviations in its development, then he will definitely carry out such an additional construction of a three-dimensional image of one or another part of the fetus of interest.
It is best to carry out 4D diagnostics during the second or third screening. By this time, the baby’s systems and organs will be formed, which means that the picture itself will be more informative for parents. The most favorable terms for a successful study in 3D-4D modes are 17-18 weeks, i.e. II trimester (13-24 weeks). Success in building a three-dimensional (four-dimensional) image of the fetus depends on the amount of amniotic fluid and on the position of the fetus. In the second trimester, the fetus is still quite high, and the amount of amniotic fluid is sufficient to build an image. It is the amniotic fluid that is the acoustic window for successful imaging, and the desired position of the fetus allows you to get the most complete picture.
Not always during the entire study, the fetus takes the right position to build a three-dimensional (four-dimensional) image. In this case, during the next screening, you can try again to build an image in 3D-4D modes.
Limitations of the method
Making a video recording of a baby during fetal development is not accepted in all countries. The US Food and Drug Administration considers this practice unacceptable. The FDA considers the advertising, rental, and sale of ultrasound equipment for “fetal memory video” to be inappropriate, unacceptable, and unauthorized. Despite this, many private clinics in every corner of the world use 4D ultrasound, and happy parents give relatives the first video recording of a miniature family member.
3D-4D fetal examination is an additional research method that is carried out only simultaneously with 2D fetal ultrasound at different stages of pregnancy!